How to Make Your iPhone Feel Normal Again After the iOS 26 Update
If your iPhone suddenly feels unfamiliar or harder to use after updating to iOS 26, you're not imagining things. Apple’s latest software introduced a major design shift called "Liquid Glass" along with new layouts and changes to apps like Safari, Music, and Voicemail. While some users enjoy the fresh look, many others—especially those who prefer simplicity—find the changes confusing and frustrating.
At TechPals, we believe your devices should work for you, not against you. That’s why we’ve put together this helpful guide on how to make your iPhone feel more like it used to. While Apple doesn’t allow users to roll back to older versions like iOS 18, you can adjust your settings to restore a more familiar, easy-to-use experience.
Here are 5 smart ways to make your iPhone on iOS 26 act more like it did before the update.
1. Restore the Classic Safari Layout
One of the biggest complaints we hear at TechPals is about Safari’s new interface. In iOS 26, Apple introduced a “compact” view that hides key buttons—like bookmarks, tabs, and sharing—behind a new three-dot menu. While it might look sleek, it’s not exactly user-friendly.
To bring back the old, easier-to-navigate Safari:
Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
Scroll down and tap Safari under the Apps section.
Under Tabs, select Bottom Tab Bar.
This will restore the full toolbar at the bottom of Safari, giving you quicker access to the tools you use most. No more hunting for bookmarks!
Related: How to Tell If a Website Is Safe
2. Turn Off Music Crossfade to Stop Songs from Blending Together
Do your songs seem to run into each other without a break? That’s due to a feature called Crossfade, which Apple turned on by default in iOS 26. While some people like the DJ-style transitions, many prefer their music to stop and start cleanly.
Here’s how to turn it off:
Go to Settings.
Tap Music.
Scroll down to Crossfade and toggle it off.
Now your music will behave just like it did before—one song ends, and the next one begins.
Helpful Tip: If you’re using Bluetooth speakers, this setting can make a big difference in how clear your music sounds.
3. Find and Use Voicemail the Way You Remember
Another confusing change in iOS 26? The Phone app. Specifically, finding voicemail has become a challenge for some users.
If you're having trouble:
Open the Phone app.
Look at the bottom-right corner for the Voicemail icon. It may look different, but it’s still there.
If you still can’t find it, go to Settings > General > About to check for a carrier update. Sometimes voicemail issues are tied to your phone carrier, not just iOS.
Need Help? Contact TechPals for friendly, step-by-step support.
4. Reduce Liquid Glass for a Cleaner Look
The new Liquid Glass design introduced in iOS 26 adds glossy, translucent effects across the iPhone’s interface. While it’s designed to look modern, many users find it distracting or even hard to read.
To make your screen easier on the eyes:
Go to Settings.
Tap Accessibility.
Choose Display & Text Size.
Turn on Reduce Transparency.
This will cut down the glassy layers and make buttons and backgrounds easier to distinguish—especially helpful if your eyesight isn’t what it used to be.
5. Add Button Shapes to Improve Navigation
If you’ve been missing visual cues like underlines and borders around tappable items, you're not alone. Apple’s minimalist design hides a lot of useful visual clues. But there’s a fix.
To improve clarity:
Go to Settings.
Tap Accessibility > Display & Text Size.
Toggle on Button Shapes.
This makes links and buttons easier to spot, helping you feel more confident as you navigate your iPhone.
Bonus Tip: While you're there, you can also adjust Text Size and turn on Bold Text for better readability.
More Help: How to Make Your iPhone Screen Easier to Read
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I go back to iOS 18 or an earlier version?
No, Apple does not allow downgrades once you install a major iOS update like iOS 26. That’s why adjusting your settings is the best option.
Is iOS 26 a bad update?
Not necessarily, but it's a big visual and functional change. Many users appreciate the new features once they get used to them—but others prefer the older, more familiar design.
Will changing these settings affect my phone’s performance?
No. All of these adjustments are safe, built-in options provided by Apple.
Final Thoughts from TechPals
If your iPhone feels unfamiliar or overwhelming after the iOS 26 update, don’t worry—you’re not alone. At TechPals, we help people of all ages feel more confident with their technology. With just a few simple tweaks, your phone can feel like home again.
Looking for more iPhone tips? Try these helpful TechPals guides:
Need personal support? Visit TechPals.org today to schedule a session. Whether you’re stuck, curious, or just want a second opinion, Tech Pals is here to help.
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